The founders of the Open to Hope Foundation, Drs. Gloria and Heidi Horsley, share how they got into the grief and loss field—it’s often a story with terrible beginnings. For this mother-daughter duo, it was the death of Scott at 17 years old that catapulted both of them onto their own unique journey. He was Gloria’s son and Heidi’s brother. Gloria was already in the field of counseling, but losing her son inspired her to specialize in grief and loss. For Heidi, who was in college at the time, she quickly changed her career path to also focus on the field of loss.

They created the Open to Hope Foundation as a resource tool for others experiencing all kinds of grief. They’re proud to say that, today as one of the biggest organizations revolving around grief in the world, they have achieved their goal. Many members have gone on to form their own organizations, such as Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD). Serving others is often a great way to transform your grief into something positive.

The Power of Transformation

Commemorating a loved one by service is one of the most beneficial ways to turn your grief around. It also helps spark continuing bonds with loved ones. Just because a life ends doesn’t mean your relationship with a person has to. It can and will continue if you foster it. Doing so in a positive way can include creating rituals, talking about your loved one, and sharing memories—maybe even founding an organization. There are many ways to continue those bonds, and everyone can find one—or a few!—ways that work for them.

Connecting with the Open to Hope Foundation is a fantastic way of finding support, and can help grievers move in a positive path.